The cover is very convenient because
1. the organic waste not standing around open
2. it is removable, which makes cleaning the bucket and the lid
3. it can be opened with one hand easily.
Just be aware that you can grip the bucket to the right place if you want to carry it with one hand. Otherwise you jerk-twitch only the cover in hand. But after one, make twice wrong running's ;-)
Ours is now up nearly 10 months old. Sister in law has also been 8 months and is also very satisfied.